Summer Camp FAQsCamino real playhouse

A: For all those working parents out there, or for those families interested in a more expansive performing arts program, this early-bird drop-off option (flex drop off any time between 8:00 AM-9:00 AM) is perfect for you. Your children will participate in fun, upbeat morning activities led by our enthusiastic Activity Directors. ($25 flat rate for entire week; $10 daily rate)

Q: Is after-care provided?

A: For those parents interested in additional performing arts activities for their children after camp, this enrichment block is a great option for you. Your children can be picked up anywhere from 2 PM–5 PM. They can stay as little as they want (2 PM) or as much as they want (5 PM) each day, depending of course on your schedule. Students will have a blast with their new friends as they learn through interactive games, singing activities, and all-around fun at the Playhouse! ($75 flat rate for entire week; $30 daily rate)

Q: Is there a charge for late pick-up?

A: We do extend a seven minute grace period; however, your account will be charged $20 per hour or fraction thereof beyond that for late pick-ups. In the event that you are late for pick up, your child will be sent to Camp Unplugged, our after camp enrichment program. The same fee will apply to those families picking up their child late from Camp Unplugged.

Facility

Q: Are your facilities kid-friendly and safe?

A: The Performing Arts Camps are held at the Camino Real Playhouse in the historical district of San Juan Capistrano. This year marks the Playhouse’s 23rd anniversary as an active community theatre. The Playhouse has two functional theatres, the Main Stage, which can seat 88 patrons, and Stage II, which is a blackbox theatre that entertains audiences of 50 on a weekend performance. In addition to the two theatres, there is a Youth Conservatory (which resembles a grade school classroom) as well as a duplicate rehearsal studio that mimics the main stage. Our bathroom facilities are cleaned regularly and are kid-friendly with step stools to reach the sinks and paper towels. There are two entrances and exits to the Playhouse (the main entrance in the front and the Stage II side entrance). We have a water fountain in the main hall and a central business office for camp administrative tasks. Our facilities are quite spacious--boasting 10,000 square feet! Since the theatre sits adjacent to the historical San Juan Mission, many schools and youth groups visit the area. Numerous police officers and safety volunteers monitor the area regularly. The kids will visit the Historic Town Center Park three times a day. Lunches and recesses will be spent outside in this beautifully designed park. Staff and administrators keep a close eye on the children during this refreshing time outside. All in all, the Playhouse is a perfect destination for a fun-filled week of performing arts camp for your kids!

Teachers/Staff

Q: Who are the teachers?

A: The Director, Stephen Zygo, and Assistant Director, Maggie Zygo, both hold Master’s degrees in teaching and share a combined 25 years of experience in education. They conduct thorough interviews and select the most highly-qualified educators in their respective fields to create a dynamic team.

Q: Who are the additional staff members?

A: The Camp Activity Directors are typically college students majoring in the performing arts and/or education. They must have previous experience working with children and references to verify their character.

To review the bios of all our staff members, please visit the ABOUT US page and click on STAFF in the middle column.

Lunch/Snacks

Q: What will the kids eat for lunch?

A: The campers should bring their own, clearly labeled, brown-bagged lunch each day. The children enjoy the fresh air as they eat and play in the Historical Town Center Park connected to the Playhouse!

Q: Should my child bring their own snack?

A: A peanut-free snack is encouraged along with a labeled water bottle. These items should be packed along with the child’s lunch.

Behavior/Prerequisite Requirements

Q: Does my child have to be out of diapers?

A: Yes, since we are a performing arts camp and not a daycare facility, we require every camper to be potty-trained. For those children that have rare accidents, we do request a change of clothes for immediate use. They must be able to change their garments themselves.

Q: What are your policies regarding inappropriate behavior?

A: There are several levels of inappropriate behavior. For students who are being a disruption to the learning environment in class, the teacher has the authority to sit the children out of activities or send them to visit the Director if necessary. For children that exhibit consistent behavioral issues, bullying, or hitting, we do reserve the right to dismiss a child from the remainder of camp. This is for the safety and well being of all campers.

Financial Aspects

Q: Is there reimbursement if my child doesn’t fulfill the length of the program or misses a day?

A: Unfortunately, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Camps are priced in week-long sessions, not by day. Not only is our staffing determined by the number of campers that register, but we also must turn other students away once the limited number of spaces is filled. Q: I made a 50% deposit when I initially registered online. How do I pay the balance?

A: Any unpaid balance is charged automatically to your credit card on file on the first day of camp.

Costumes

Q: Can my child wear their own costume?

A: Children can bring their own costumes that match their character for their particular show. We wouldn't want to deprive a child the chance to wear their favorite get-up from their beloved theme show! However, please do not feel the need to go out and buy something new. Your camp counselors and teachers can help with suggestions. This should be very easy. We have designed this camp to be simple and fun with little to no extra work for mom and dad. To add glitz and glamour, the kids may also be making some small costume accessories in art class.

Tickets/Performances

Q: How can I purchase tickets to see my child’s show?

A: Parents, family, and friends are all invited to support your rising star as they perform on the Playhouse Main Stage! Tickets must be purchased through the link provided during your camp week.

Tickets are usually available for purchase starting Wednesday afternoon. When you arrive at the theatre on the day of the show, simply check in at the box office with your printed receipt. Please do not call the theater to purchase tickets as it is not staffed for this—purchase tickets online. In the event that someone arrives without having purchased tickets, they will be given online access to the same ticketing system.

Photography/Videography

Q: Is photography and videography allowed during my child’s performance?

A: Camino Real Playhouse and The Cabrillo Playhouse do not allow videography or photography during any performance. Because we know how important it is to capture these memorable moments on video, we have invited talented youth theatre videographers to record each Friday performance and create a DVD. The DVD can be ordered on the day of the show and will be shipped directly to your home shortly after the production. Accepted forms of payment are cash and check. The videographers are independent contractors and purchases should be made directly from them.

Parental Concern

Q: What if my child is nervous about the first day of camp?A: On the first day of camp there is a short 10 minute information meeting with the parents and kids. At the end of that, we encourage the kids to give their parents a big thank you hug for sending them to a wonderful camp and then the Activities Directors will take them to their first class. We do not allow parents to accompany them to class. Our teachers and Activity Directors are well experienced in calming first day jitters.Q: Can I call or text my child during camp hours?

A: If your child brings a cell phone to camp, it should be turned off and put away during camp hours. Texting and other cell phone activities distract and detract from classes and the overall camp experience.

Q: How does casting take place? How can I best support my child in his/her role?

A: In Monday's acting classes, campers participate in a fun audition to determine roles. Casting is a collaborative effort between the teachers and the activity directors. Students then begin working with their scripts which consist of the number of scenes/songs/dances that can be memorized and polished within the camp week.

As we are professional educators by training, we have designed our performing arts programs to be a holistic learning experience for the kids. At camp, students take daily classes--dance, music, art/set design, and acting--and then bring these individual elements together to create a musical theatre performance. As a director, Mr. Zygo emphasizes the collaborative nature of theatre to the students--everyone's role is essential to the production--and the fact that performing occurs the entire time while on stage and not just when delivering a line. The best way to support your young performer in his/her role is to reinforce this at home by reminding him/her that musical theatre and performing encompass much more than just the number of lines... It helps to counteract the all-too-common tendency of youth to place undue emphasis on roles/lines and also underscores the positive life lessons that can be learned through theatre.

Q: Will my child have fun while attending your camp?

A: Absolutely! Our theatre-immersion camps have been designed to be interactive, high energy, and a wonderful learning experience for every student that attends. Your child will learn several thematic songs and choreographed dances, produce colorful works of art, and discover creative characters through student-centered scripts. The children will find the fresh air three times a day in the Historic Town Center Park to be relaxing and rejuvenating. Throughout the five exciting days of each camp week, the children will make many new friends and learn the importance of their role in a successful collaboration. The culminating Friday performance project truly drives the children to prepare for their performance with diligence and focus. Everyone involved in the camps, both students and staff alike, walks away from their week of performing arts camp with a new sense of confidence and lasting memories. It will be a camp experience to remember! It’s time to watch your star shine!